It has been more than two months since that much-talked about evening when James Reid and Nadine Lustre drove their fans bonkers. Finally, the two admitted that their love story, which was merely for reel, had turned real.

Still, there are observers who have remained skeptical about the authenticity of the young stars’ romantic relationship. But it is fine by them, the couple said; they couldn’t care any less.

“The issue isn’t new to us. They claim that what we have is not real; that it is just for promo. But we’re used to it by now,” Nadine told reporters at a recent press conference for their latest film, “This Time,” which opened on May 4. “If they do not want to believe it, that’s OK. What’s important is that we know the truth.”

James, on the other hand, seemed a tad more dismissive of the intrigue. “They can say what they want to say. Personally, I have nothing to say to bashers,” he said, casually. “Maybe they’re just bitter,” he added, drawing some laughs from the show biz press.

For their first “monthsary” last March, James and Nadine went on an intimate date in Tagaytay. They were not able to celebrate their second month together because of their hectic filming schedule.

“We were so busy, giving 100 percent of our efforts to the project. But I hope we can make up for it soon,” James said.

The upside, of course, is that they get to spend time with each other almost all day, every day.

“Working is such a joy at the moment. This is the reason I get out of bed in the morning. I could not be any happier, and it shows onscreen,” related James, who appreciates the fact that Nadine loves him for who he is. “She does not try to change me.”

“I always look forward to seeing him,” said Nadine, who admitted that she isn’t too big on public displays of affection. “I am not used to that. I am shy!”

As part of the romantic drama, produced by Viva Entertainment and directed by Nuel Naval, the duo flew to Saga, Japan, in the thick of spring to shoot scenes against the country’s famous cherry blossoms.

“It was my first time to visit the country, and we were all very happy. Seeing cherry blossoms was one of my childhood dreams. They were beautiful, especially as they started falling,” Nadine said. “I am happy to have spent that moment with James.”

“This Time” follows the lives of childhood sweethearts, Coby (James) and Ava (Nadine), and the challenges they face as they try to maintain a long-distance relationship.

“The movie is also a family drama. It is different from our other movies that focus on kilig and abs!” quipped James, whose tandem with Nadine is called JaDine.

Meanwhile, James and Nadine admitted they were surprised when the Star Cinema rom-com, “Just the 3 of Us,” which features John Lloyd Cruz and Jennylyn Mercado, pushed its play date back from April 27 to May 4, thus pitting it not only against their movie, but also against the blockbuster Marvel superhero movie, “Captain America: Civil War.”

“I was surprised…But we’d rather focus on our own movie. And we are feeling confident, because we all did our best,” Nadine said.

According to James, he does not know how to react as it is the first time he has experienced such a situation involving movie play dates.

Does he feel threatened? “John Lloyd is the king of this genre…Our movies may be different in feel but, still, that’s John Lloyd,” he said. “But I have always believed in healthy competition - we need that to improve.” Inquirer.net